QUESTION PERIOD: Parlee Beach – 16 DECEMBER 2016

Here is the video and transcript of oral questions, recorded in the language in which it was spoken.

Mr. Coon: There has been much discussion in the media over the past weeks about the water
quality at Parlee Beach, Murray Beach, Cap Brûlé Beach, and Aboiteau Beach. The issue is not new, though. There are studies going back to 1999 that identified the sources of the contamination. The only thing that has happened since that time, really, is that the responsibility for monitoring the water quality was transferred from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health to the Department of Tourism back in 2001. My question is for the Premier, because it is in his bailiwick: Will he return the responsibility for water quality monitoring for the beaches in Shediac Bay back to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health from Tourism?

Mr. Coon: It is good to see that the minister is taking initiative on this issue. However, the fact remains that water quality monitoring remains with the Department of Tourism. In the election platform, the Premier committed to ensuring the independence of the medical officers of health. Here we are, halfway through the mandate, and it has still not been done. The fact that the beaches in Shediac Bay were not closed to swimmers despite high levels of fecal contamination last summer is a perfect example of why the Chief Medical Officer must be independent. The question is: When will the Premier table a bill to give the medical officers of health the independence from government that he promised?

Mr. Coon: In addition to wanting to have the problem cleaned up finally, when government
after government after government has failed to do so, the people of this province want to know one thing. Next summer, if the acceptable limits are again exceeded at those beaches on Shediac Bay, can the Premier assure us that those beaches will be closed to swimmers when it is warranted?